The Stage

Regency deal expands Avalon in United States

Published Wednesday 23 November 2005 at 11:10 by Liz Thomas

Avalon Television has signed an exclusive deal with Malcolm in the Middle producer Regency Television in a move that will further extend its US and international presence.

The agreement will see the two companies draw on Avalon’s UK productions such as Grumpy Old Men - made by recently acquired indie Liberty Bell - and Harry Hill’s TV Burp and revise them for the US market. They will also develop original scripted shows and drama, having already sold Mystery Brothers, a comedy pilot set in the world of the paranormal, to US broadcaster Fox Television.

President of Regency Television Robin Schwartz said: “The deal with Avalon gives us a chance to tap into the talent pool of an inventive company that has already proven itself as a prolific producer of compelling comedy and entertainment programming. We are thrilled to reinforce our development slate with fresh and distinct material.”

An increasing number of companies are making steps toward international expansion following on from the huge success of UK shows across the world. The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Celador’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Pop Idol, made by 19 Entertainment, have highlighted the lucrative commercial potential of shows with global appeal.

Earlier this year Avalon won its first US commission, co-producing Kelsey Grammer Presents The Sketch Show with Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow Productions for Fox Television. Avalon later poached the broadcaster’s vice president David Martin, who oversaw hits such as Animal Planet and Golden Globe-winning drama The Shield, to head its LA production base.

Jon Thoday, the company’s joint managing director, said he intended to continue to grow the television arm and that the deal marked a “significant advancement for its US plans”.

The move follows the launch of Tinderbox Television, its joint venture with Channel 4 International, which will specialise in developing original show formats for the UK and international markets using British creative talent. The recent acquisition of Liberty Bell, which has an annual turnover of £3 million, has enabled the entertainment and comedy specialist to expand into factual programming.